Flying into Lisbon with children? After years of navigating this airport with my own two kids (and helping countless families plan their Portugal trips), I've learnt which facilities actually matter and what will make your arrival or departure genuinely easier.
This is your practical guide to Lisbon Airport with children—no fluff, just the information that will help you move through smoothly.

Is Lisbon Airport family-friendly?

Yes, surprisingly so. Lisbon Airport (officially Humberto Delgado Airport) has invested in family facilities over recent years, and whilst it's not perfect, it's far better equipped for families than many European airports I've experienced.

The key is knowing where things are before you arrive—because signage isn't always obvious, and you don't want to be searching for a nappy-changing station with an overtired toddler.

Family facilities at Lisbon Airport: what's actually available

Baby-changing facilities Located in Terminal 1 in both public and restricted areas (after security screening). Each changing station includes a sink, changing table, and worktop. You'll also find changing tables in women's bathrooms and in the accessible toilets in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Breastfeeding areas Terminal 1 has dedicated breastfeeding rooms:

Next to Gate 15 (Schengen area)
Pier 14, Level 5 (Non-Schengen area)

These are quiet, private spaces—though I'll be honest, they're a bit hidden away. Don't hesitate to ask airport staff to point you in the right direction.

Family room This is brilliant if you have a long wait before your flight. Located in Terminal 1 before security screening, it includes sofas, a microwave, bottle warmers, an oven, and a vending machine. It's a proper space where you can warm bottles, prepare snacks, and let kids decompress a bit.

Play areas There's an unsupervised play area for children aged 2-7 years in Terminal 1, Schengen Transfers Hall, Level 5 (on the way to Gates 7 and 13). Note: The playground at Gate 44 is currently closed, with a new one planned for the Non-Schengen area.

My take: The play area is helpful for burning off energy, but don't rely on it as your only strategy for keeping kids entertained. Bring your own activities as backup.

Children's seats in bathrooms Available in both men's and women's restrooms throughout Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, before and after security. These little seats let you use the loo without juggling a child on your hip—small detail, massive help.

Complimentary pushchairs You might find pushchairs available after security screening in Terminal 1 or near boarding gates (often left behind by other families). If you're arriving, check the Arrivals Hall. Don't count on finding one, but if you spot one, grab it.

Getting through Lisbon Airport with kids: the practical bits

How long should I allow?

Domestic/European flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure
Intercontinental flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure
Upon landing: Allow at least 45 minutes to 1 hour from touchdown to reaching Arrivals (this includes deplaning, passport control, baggage claim, customs, and walking to the public area)

My recommendation from years of doing this: Arrive at the earlier end of these time frames. Mornings and evenings are the busiest times at Lisbon Airport. Families with young children often get priority, but don't rely on it during peak periods.

This little tool might come in handy to view real time queues in Lisbon airport. I do not vouch for its reliability yet though.

Children under 2: A law allows anyone with children under 2 to head straight to priority lines. If you are travelling with a young child, go and ask if you don’t see the priority line. By law, they must let you through. If you have children slightly older, it may still be worth asking but it is up to the kindness of the staff.

A word about timing and passport control Here's what many families don't realise: after you pass through security, you'll enter a large space with shops, cafés, and food outlets. This is where most people linger. Don't stay there too long. You still need to pass through passport control, and queues can be very lengthy—particularly for non-EU passport holders (if flying outside of the EU). Sadly, there are fewer shops and cafés after passport control, so grab what you need beforehand.

Travelling with liquids and baby supplies Baby food, medications, and special dietary products (porridge, fruit jars, yoghurts, milk bottles) can exceed the 100ml limit and don't need to be packed in a transparent plastic bag. This is standard EU regulation, but it's worth knowing so you don't stress about packing.

Checked pushchairs and car seats If you've gate-checked your pushchair or car seat, look for them in the special luggage area in baggage claim, not on the regular carousel.

Transportation from/to Lisbon Airport with children

**Ridesharing (Uber or Bolt)** Pickup and drop-off points are at the P2 car park (Arrivals) or Kiss & Fly park (Departures). If there's a long queue at Kiss & Fly at Departures, ask your driver to collect you from Arrivals instead—it's often quicker.
Important reminder: Taxis and rideshares in Portugal are legally exempt from car seat requirements. However, if you're uncomfortable with this, bring a lightweight travel car seat or use a transfer service that provides proper car seats. (See my complete guide to car seats in Portugal for more details.)

Metro The metro station is located just outside the Departures area, between the Departures hall and the transfer services car park. It's an affordable option, though managing luggage and children on public transport requires patience.

Transfer services Private transfer drivers have a reserved area at Arrivals near the pharmacy. After passing through customs, turn right to find the blue meeting points (#1 to #4). Your driver will be holding a board with your name.

If you're booking a transfer service, confirm they provide certified, age-appropriate car seats for your children. Not all do.

Car rentals Companies like Avis, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz, and Sixt are located in the rental car building, about a one-minute walk from Arrivals. Look for My Bistrô, continue straight, and find the corridor leading to the rental desks. Some rental companies operate outside the airport and require a shuttle—make sure you have confirmation and contact details to avoid delays.

From my experience: If you're renting a car, book well in advance and request car seats when you make the reservation. Airport rental car seats are basic but functional. Always inspect the car for existing damage and take dated photos before driving away.

Top tip: avoid taxis. They are usually more expensive than ridesharing and many people get ripped off sadly.

Helpful airport services for families

Free Wi-Fi Unlimited and free throughout the airport. Useful for contacting your accommodation, checking flight updates, or keeping older kids entertained.

Luggage storage Self-service lockers are available in Terminal 1 (234 lockers of different sizes), located outside Departures near the Kiss & Fly area. They're accessible 24/7, and payment terminals are at each bank of lockers. Check prices here

Pharmacy and healthcare There's a pharmacy in Terminal 1, Departures area, open from 6am to 10pm, with 20 minutes of free parking. Healthcare stores are also available before and after security in various locations (opening hours vary by location).

Moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Free shuttle buses run between terminals, located outside Departures near the Kiss & Fly park. The journey takes about 3 minutes, with a maximum wait time of 12 minutes.

My final tips for Lisbon Airport with kids

After countless trips through this airport with my own children and two decades of Portugal travel experience, here's what I'd tell you:

Arrive early. Earlier than you think. It removes stress and gives you buffer time for the unexpected (and with kids, there's always something unexpected).

Use the family facilities. They exist for a reason. Use the family security lane (if allowed), the family room, the breastfeeding areas. These facilities will make your journey smoother.

Plan for hunger and boredom. Bring more snacks than you think you need and have entertainment options ready. The airport has food outlets, but queues can be long and options limited after passport control.

Track your flight. Use an app like Flight Radar to monitor your flight's status in real-time, especially if you're collecting someone or worried about delays.

Need help planning your Portugal trip?

Navigating airports is just one small piece of planning family travel in Portugal. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the logistics—from where to stay to what to do with kids of different ages—I can help.

Here are two ways I support families as a local mother:

Pick my brains (€45): Book a 45-minute travel consultation where I answer all your questions about travelling to Portugal with children.

Let me plan your itinerary (from €195): I'll do the hours of research for you and create a fully personalised trip suited to your family's pace, interests, and budget.

Learn more

Disclaimer: Airport facilities and services can change. This guide is based on information current as of January 2026 and my personal experience. Always verify details with official airport sources for your specific travel dates.

Lisbon Airport with kids: what families actually need to know